Chapter 19: Group Interaction

"Cult Conformity"

Introduction
When we read headlines about cult groups and their often devastating effects on their members, we may wonder, "How can anybody be so crazy as to join that group?" We convince ourselves, using self-serving bias, that we could never be lured into such a dangerous situation. The truth is, however, that people are strongly motivated by social influences, and sometimes the strength of a social group and the influences of the environment result in rational individuals choosing unhealthy associations. The Influence At Work Web site states that your self-serving bias may actually make you more susceptible to being deceived by a cult. Go to their Web site to find out why and to investigate how cults are organized.

Destination Title: Working Psychology
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Directions

• Start at the Working Psychology Web site.
  
• Click on the "Cults" topic. Follow the links to view the entire topic.
• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.